Melanoma Symptoms

It can be tricky to spot melanomas because they come in many shapes, sizes and colors — and some don’t exhibit any of the typical warning signs. Early detection starts with knowing the signs and checking the skin routinely.

Typically, melanomas appear on the legs in women and on the trunk/torso, or central part of the body, in men. However, they can occur anywhere on the body.

The major warning signs of melanoma are:

• A new spot on the skin or a spot that’s changing in size, shape, color or texture
• A spot that looks different from the other spots on the skin, also known as the ugly duckling sign

Other warning signs include:

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Spread of pigment from a spot’s border into surrounding skin
• Redness or new swelling beyond a mole’s border
• Change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness or pain
• Change in a mole’s surface, such as scaliness, bleeding or the presence of a lump or bump

When it comes to appearance, the subtype of melanoma also matters. For example, a small percentage of melanomas form in places that aren't exposed to the sun and may look different from melanomas on the skin, including:

• Subungual melanoma may appear as a dark line or streak under the fingernail or toenail.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma may look like dark, irregular areas on the palms or soles.
• Uveal melanoma may appear as a dark spot in the iris, the colored part of the eye.
• Mucosal melanoma may develop as dark spots or irregular areas in the mouth, nose and genitals.

Key takeaway: It’s important to examine both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body.

ABCDE Melanoma Signs

It’s possible to reduce the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, by taking several precautions. At the top of the list is paying attention to changes in the skin and using the ABCDE rule to guide the skin check: Asymmetrical, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving.

Look for spots with the following features:

• Asymmetrical: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• Border: The edges are ragged or blurred.
• Color: The color varies in the same mole, including different shades of brown or black, or occasionally with patches of pink, red, white or blue.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across — the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: A spot that changes in size, shape, color or elevation; or a new symptom, such as bleeding, itching or crusting.

Because some melanomas break these rules, it’s important to tell a doctor about any area of concern.

Is Melanoma Painful?

It’s true that melanoma can cause pain or soreness. But in most cases, a painful mole can be attributed to non-cancer-related causes like an ingrown hair, pimple, irritation or infection.

It’s important to see a doctor if mole pain doesn’t go away after a few days or a week. Early detection and diagnosis are key to maximize survival.